Sexual Preference and the Law

Briefly you shouldn't have any problems whatsoever, provided you don't engage in any illicit activities, soliciting etc. UAE can be tolerant yet heavy handed when confronted with any
form of (what they consider) public indecency.

You are right in understanding that different places have different freedom levels - the same with
recreational drugs I suppose. How your preference will be perceived there depends upon - I suppose - your outward appearance, and to what degree that is obvious to the average passer-by.

It would be naive to think that no one shares your sexual preference in this part of the world
because that would be completely wrong. However, societal values, cultural considerations
religious adherances etc do not accept nor tolerate this kind of preference so I would suggest
that as a foreigner (a visitor to this country) you maintain a low profile and go about your visit or business in a normal fashion.

Its a pity that people such as yourself who have sensitivities and respect to other's cultures and ways don't always receive the same understanding and sensitivity back. Unfortunately, thats life.

Don't be apprehensive, you'll have a really great time and it will be a good taster to future travel in the middle east .

Don't worry, you'll be fine. You can't get into trouble just for being gay. You need to actually be caught in the act, and I'll assume you won't be doing anything in public. If you feel comfortable, I also encourage you to dress as you normally would. Dubai is very diverse and they are very tolerant. Locals also dress very stylish as well.

Even if you do engage in anything there, rest assured that privacy of the home (or in your case, the hotel) is sacrosanct because of the culture. Actually some find it easier to be gay in Arab society. If your a man and bring a woman to your place, you'll be in big trouble if anyone sees her coming in or out! A gay person can bring all the people of the same sex that they want to their homes without question, you can openly hold another man's hand openly and no one will bat an eye, etc.

There really isn't any concept of gay 'culture' or mannerisms in this region, so no matter how stereotypically gay your speech patterns, your movements, your style, etc., may be in your home country, most of the locals will have no idea that anything is afoot. As above, public displays of affection (within reason) and public hand holding etc. between two men are generally more societally acceptable than between a man and a woman.

Oh contraire afz - many people are fully aware

There really isn't any concept of gay 'culture' or mannerisms in this region, so no matter how stereotypically gay your speech patterns, your movements, your style, etc., may be in your home country, most of the locals will have no idea that anything is afoot.

afz, not quite true. While I agree that local men holding hands does not mean that the are gay, homosexuality is quite prevalent, though driven underground due to religious prohibition / social taboos.

OP : as long as you are discreet in whatever you do, you're absolutely safe. The UAE is not a country where any authority (legal or religious) goes on a witch-hunt. As others have said, just don't dress or act in a way which calls attention on you. Enjoy your time in Dubai :-)

Well, the gay people, sure. But for the vast majority of straight people it's just not something they would ever consider, in contrary to the West where everybody enjoys comparing how strong their 'gaydar' is.

#1 don't worry there was a television program the other night about a businesswoman who went with a male gay friend (they both said in the program that he was gay) on a visit to an arab business partner.
So why should you have a problem?

Just enjoy your trip.

Thanks everyone,
I'm actually relieved to hear all this. I dress very average with a bit of "edge" but not what most would consider "faggy" or anything!!

I'm very excited to go :) The city looks so beautiful

Regarding you being Gay – Under UAE Islamic law - being gay is sin and if caught doing gay activities you will be put in Jail that is law.

Having said I been to I think you will be fine just respect the culture and laws of the country.